Did you know that in Louisiana, about 100 to 150 vehicular crashes occur each month? The state of Louisiana is among the top 5 states with the most number of car crashes in the country. In 2017, a total of 1,153 vehicular crashes recorded were considered severe, and 706 of these were fatal and were subject to a wrongful death claim. The number of personal injury cases due to car accidents continue to grow higher, with already 789 severe crashes this year as of October 2018.

Truth is, the chances of a person being involved in any form of a car accident at least once in their life are very high. Car crashes can occur due to several reasons, so keep reading for three common causes of car accidents.

Driver Error

The person behind the wheel plays an important role in the safety on the road. A driver must always be attentive and in good condition to avoid accidents due to the following:

Distracted Driving

There are several sources which can be a cause of distraction to the driver, such as using a cell phone, conversing with a passenger, eating or drinking while driving, adjusting the stereo or navigation system, grooming, and reaching for objects inside the car, among others. In the United States, almost 3,500 lives were taken in 2016 because of distracted driving, and it is actually the most common cause of car crashes.

Drowsy Driving

Long drives and being on the road late at night or after a tiring day, can cause a driver to fall asleep at the wheel. Drowsy driving is the culprit of almost 10 percent of vehicular accidents.

Violation of Traffic Rules

The rules of the road must always be followed for the safety of everyone. Unfortunately, people tend to be careless and agitated on the road, leading to reckless driving. This includes running red lights, swerving or going over the speed limit. Some fail to follow common traffic rules, like driving in the correct lane and using appropriate signals.

Car Defects

Checking your car must always be done routinely, especially before long drives. Check for any malfunctions in the car brakes, tire blowouts, etc. This can help prevent any car mishaps from happening and preventing a crash from happening. Even in the middle of a crash, a faulty airbag, seatbelt, or seat back can cause further personal injury.

Environmental Hazards

Sometimes, the condition of the environment affecting the road we are driving on is to blame for a car accident. There are several factors on the road which can contribute to an accident:

• Weather Conditions

Heavy rain or snow can not only make the road more slippery,but also decrease road visibility. Even at night, accidents are prone to happen in dark areas of the road.

• The Car in Front

It is crucial to avoid tailgating. In Louisiana, almost half of all fatal car crashes are multiple-vehicle crashes. Even if you are a careful driver, you may still be involved in an accident because of the cars around you.

• Construction Areas

Construction areas are a hazard because they affect the optimal conditions of the road, and they may also cause a change in traffic. Potholes could also be a reason for drivers to swerve, leading to accidents.

In any form of a car crash, you must always know your rights and your claim. The Schwartz Law Firm's experienced car accident attorneys handle any and all cases including work-related car accidents and car accidents in general. Schwartz Law has two locations in Louisiana for your convenience, one in Metairie and another in Baton Rouge. Feel free to call us today at 504-837-2263 for your free initial consultation.